J. Joksimović and Dutch parliamentarians: Support to the continuation of the reforms

Minister of European Integration Jadranka Joksimović has talked with the Delegation of the Dutch Parliament European Affairs Committee on Serbia's accession to the EU and the cooperation between the two countries on Serbia’s European path, the reforms that are being implemented, bilateral relations, the atmosphere within the EU and on other important topics.

The Minister of European Integration has particularly stressed the importance of the visit of the Dutch parliamentarians - representatives of various political parties, at this moment, because only through more frequent direct talks and visits can we improve our mutual cooperation and keep each other informed. She has assessed that the EC Report on progress has also recognized Serbia's clear commitment to the accession process, as well as the results achieved through the reforms.

Jadranka Joksimović has informed her interlocutors about the current activities and has introduced them to the future activities of Serbia in the process of European integration. She has recalled that Serbia has opened twelve chapters so far, two of which have been provisionally closed, expecting at least three more to be opened by the end of the Bulgarian EU Council Presidency. She has stressed that Serbia is fully prepared for the opening of the following five chapters: 33 - Financial and budgetary provisions, 9 - Financial services, 13 - Fisheries, 18 - Statistics, and 17 - Economic and monetary policy.

The Minister has stressed that the EU membership represents Serbia's foreign policy priority, that the European integration is the best mechanism for the overall development of the society, and that the reforms implemented with a view to ensuring better lives of the citizens and building a high-quality country are based on the European values. In that sense, she has particularly emphasized (and the Dutch parliamentarians have agreed on this view) the importance of the continuation of reforms in Chapters 23 and 24, as well as the importance of judicial reform and fight against crime and corruption, minority rights and media freedom. The Delegation of the Dutch Parliament has provided information about the current and future activities in these areas.

According to Jadranka Joksimović, the stability of the region is very important to Serbia. Not only because of the fact that it is a prerequisite for cooperation, but also because it enables development, ensures peace and progress. Therefore, the Minister has expressed her belief that the values Serbia affirms should also be accepted by others.

For the Delegation of the Dutch Parliament European Affairs Committee, the reforms which are being implemented in Serbia yield positive results. They have emphasized that Serbia - through its approach to the migrant crisis, security and other issues in the region and the EU, has confirmed that it is a credible and active partner of the EU. They have confirmed that the Netherlands, in line with a strict but fair approach, will continue to support the European path of Serbia, and have concluded that the bilateral relations of the two countries are good and that there is room for their improvement.